Assembly for a refrigerant circuit

Abstract

Title: Assembly for a refrigerant circuit The subject of the invention is an assembly for a refrigerant circuit configured to use a refrigerant, in particular a flammable refrigerant, in particular of the hydrocarbon type, in particular propane, the refrigerant circuit being in particular configured to be installed on a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a compressor (2) configured to compress the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit, the compressor (2) comprising an inlet port (3) for the refrigerant;an internal heat exchanger (4) configured to be placed in the refrigerant circuit and configured to allow heat exchange between, on the one hand, a flow line of the low pressure refrigerant, within the internal heat exchanger (4), and, on the other hand, a flow line of the high pressure refrigerant, within the internal heat exchanger (4), the internal heat exchanger (4) comprising a low pressure outlet port (6) for the refrigerant and configured to be connected directly with the inlet port (3) of the compressor (2). Figure for abstract: Fig. 3;

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for a refrigerant circuit

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to an assembly for a configured refrigerant circuit.

[0002] The refrigerant circuit is for example configured to use a refrigerant, in particular of the flammable type, for example a hydrocarbon type refrigerant, in particular propane (also referred to as refrigerant fluid R290).

[0003] The present invention aims to improve the safety of devices using a refrigerant, in particular of the flammable type, for example a hydrocarbon type refrigerant.

[0004] The present invention also aims to improve the construction of such a refrigerant circuit.

[0005] The invention thus relates to an assembly for a refrigerant circuit configured to use a refrigerant, in particular a flammable refrigerant, in particular of the hydrocarbon type, in particular propane (also designated as refrigerant fluid R290), the refrigerant circuit being in particular configured to be installed on a vehicle, the assembly comprising: - a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit, the compressor comprising an inlet port for the refrigerant; - an internal heat exchanger configured to be placed in the refrigerant circuit and configured to allow heat exchange between, on the one hand, a low pressure refrigerant flow line, within the internal exchanger, and, on the other hand, a high pressure refrigerant flow line, within the internal heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger comprising a low pressure outlet port for the refrigerant and configured to be connected directly with the inlet port of the compressor.

[0006] The refrigerant could also be of type R1234yf.

[0007] The internal heat exchanger is often referred to by the acronym IHX.

[0008] In the present invention, the fluid connection between the compressor and the internal heat exchanger is made directly, without an intermediate fluid connector between the low-pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger and the inlet port of the compressor, and in particular without any connecting tubing or pipe between the internal heat exchanger and the compressor. Thus, the internal heat exchanger and the compressor can form a compact assembly with a relatively small overall size, because the fluid connection between the compressor and the internal heat exchanger is done over a very short distance, since no tubing or connecting pipe (sometimes called "Jumper Line" in English) is used. The invention also makes it possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant used (because less tubing and therefore less flow line distance) and reduce the pressure loss (or "pressure drop" in English) on the low pressure line. By reducing the amount of refrigerant used, which is for example propane (flammable), the severity in the event of an incident is reduced because there is less flammable product present. In the case of propane as a refrigerant, it is preferable to have a quantity of propane in the refrigerant circuit that is less than or equal to 150 g.

[0009] In addition, the number of fluid connections between the components can be reduced, and thus, for example, risks of refrigerant leaking at these connections can be avoided.

[0010] The invention is particularly advantageous in the case where the refrigerant is flammable refrigerant, for example propane, because the probability of a potential refrigerant leak (leak which can be dangerous because of the risk of explosion) is reduced by reducing the number of connections and, where appropriate, seals, and by making robust connections. In particular, the connection of the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger with the inlet port of the compressor can be made in a robust manner, in particular more robust than a connection of a pipe to a flange. The invention thus improves the safety of the circuit.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet port of the compressor is made on a body of the compressor.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet port of the compressor is monolithic with the body of the compressor. In other words, the inlet port of the compressor is integrated into the body of the compressor. In particular, the inlet port of the compressor comes from the same material as the body of the compressor. For example, when the body of the compressor is made of metal, for example aluminum, the inlet port is also in this material.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet port of the compressor is made of a machined part.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the inlet port of the compressor is made in a separate part from the compressor body and the inlet port is fixed to the compressor body, for example by being welded or brazed to the compressor body.

[0015] As a further variant, the inlet port is fixed to the body of the compressor using, for example, screws.

[0016] In summary, the compressor inlet port is integrated with the compressor body.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet port projects from a side wall of the compressor.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall, in particular generally cylindrical, of the compressor body has a main axis Xc and the inlet port of the compressor comprises an opening with axis CP which is in particular orthogonal to the main axis Xc of the compressor.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening of the inlet port of the compressor is formed on a hollow shape, which defines a channel forming the inlet port. The hollow shape may have a hollow column shape.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor comprises at least one mechanical attachment portion configured to be assembled with the internal heat exchanger such that once the compressor and the internal heat exchanger are assembled together, the inlet port of the compressor is connected to the low pressure outlet port of the heat exchanger.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the mechanical fixing portion of the compressor is configured to bear, with contact, on the heat exchanger.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the mechanical fixing portion of the compressor may comprise a threaded hole to receive, for example, a stud or a screw allowing the assembly of the compressor with the internal heat exchanger.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor comprises a plurality of mechanical fixing portions, for example 2 or 3 or 4.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the mechanical fixing portion(s) of the compressor are placed on a periphery of the inlet port of the compressor.

[0025] For example, the inlet port of the compressor is formed on a hollow shape and the mechanical fixing portion(s) each comprise a hollow stud, in particular with a tapped hole in the middle.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow shape extends over a side wall, in particular a cylindrical wall, of the compressor body.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the axis CP of the hollow shape is orthogonal to the axis Xc of the compressor body.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow shape and the pads are joined. For example, one of the pads is joined to the periphery of the hollow shape.

[0029] Thus the hollow shape and the studs are part of the same group of reliefs projecting from the body of the compressor.

[0030] The inlet port provides the connection for the fluid and the pads provide the mechanical assembly between the compressor and the internal heat exchanger.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger is monolithic with the body of the internal heat exchanger. In other words, the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger is integrated with the body of the internal exchanger.

[0032] In particular, the low pressure outlet port of the heat exchanger is made of the same material as the body of the internal exchanger. For example, when the body of the internal heat exchanger is made of metal, for example aluminum, the low pressure outlet port is also made of this material.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger is made in a flange separate from the body of the internal heat exchanger.

[0034] In this case, the flange is in particular fixed to the body of the internal heat exchanger, for example by being welded or brazed to a body of the internal heat exchanger. The body of the internal heat exchanger defines a heat exchange volume between the low-pressure refrigerant flow line and the high-pressure refrigerant flow line. In the case of an internal plate heat exchanger, this heat exchange region is formed by plates between which said flow lines pass.

[0035] In summary, the internal heat exchanger flange is part of the internal heat exchanger.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the flange of the internal heat exchanger projects from a face, in particular a flat face, of the body of the internal heat exchanger.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the body of the internal heat exchanger has a generally substantially parallelepipedal shape.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the low pressure outlet port projects from one face of this parallelepiped.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the flange is configured to be mechanically assembled with the compressor.

[0040] The flange is made for example from the same material as the body of the internal heat exchanger, for example from aluminum.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the flange, in particular being a forged or extruded part, comprises one or more machined parts.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the flange comprises at least one perforated fixing lug configured to be placed against a mechanical fixing portion of the compressor.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, this ear for fixing the flange of the internal heat exchanger comprises an opening facing a hollow stud of the mechanical fixing portion of the compressor. A stud or a screw for example is inserted through the perforated ear and the hollow stud to tighten the flange of the internal heat exchanger onto the mechanical fixing portion of the compressor. This forms a mechanical link between the compressor and the internal heat exchanger.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the flange comprises a plurality of fixing ears, for example 2, 3 or 4 fixing ears.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the flange of the internal heat exchanger comprises at least one lumen configured to receive a temperature and / or pressure sensor for measuring the temperature and / or pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the flange comprises a through channel forming the low pressure outlet port.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the through channel comprises an elbow, for example substantially at 45°.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the through channel forming the low pressure outlet port opens onto an opening configured to be placed opposite the opening of the inlet port of the compressor.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening of the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger has an axis PE inclined relative to the main face of the body of the internal heat exchanger on which the flange is present.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening of the low pressure outlet port makes for example an angle of between 20° and 70° with this main face of the body of the internal heat exchanger.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the flange is less than the height of the body of the internal heat exchanger.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing ears of the flange extend in different planes.

[0053] Thus the mutual mounting of the compressor with the internal heat exchanger is done in particular with the direct cooperation between, on the one hand, the flange of the internal heat exchanger and, on the other hand, the mechanical fixing portions on the compressor.

[0054] This mechanical assembly makes it possible to directly fluidically connect the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger and the inlet port of the compressor.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger to the compressor may be of the male or female type, configured to cooperate with the inlet port of the compressor of the female or male type respectively.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the internal heat exchanger comprises a first main face provided with the low pressure outlet port towards the compressor, and a second main face, in particular opposite the first main face, provided with other ports to other fluid-function components of the refrigerant circuit, in particular a low pressure inlet port, a high pressure inlet port, and a high pressure outlet port.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the internal heat exchanger comprises, in addition to the low pressure outlet port, a low pressure inlet port, a high pressure inlet port, and a high pressure outlet port.

[0058] The low pressure line of the refrigerant within the internal heat exchanger is thus defined between the low pressure inlet port and the low pressure outlet port, and the high pressure line of the refrigerant within the internal heat exchanger is thus defined between the high pressure inlet port and the high pressure outlet port.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the first main face and the second main face are two opposite faces, in particular parallel faces, of the body of the internal heat exchanger.

[0060] The invention also relates to a heat pump system, in particular of the indirect type, comprising an assembly as described above, in particular configured to be installed on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0061] These heat exchangers are fluidically connected to the internal heat exchanger.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly comprises: - at least two components with a fluidic function, which are in particular at least two heat exchangers; - a monobloc type refrigerant distribution manifold, comprising: • a refrigerant distribution channel extending, over a major part of its length, in a rectilinear manner and being configured to be connected to said at least two fluid-function components for distributing refrigerant to these two fluid-function components; • a refrigerant collection channel extending, over a major part of its length, in a rectilinear manner and being configured to be connected to said at least two fluid-function components to collect the refrigerant having circulated in these two fluid-function components.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises a first face onto which open, on the one hand, the distribution channel forming a refrigerant inlet orifice and, on the other hand, the collection channel forming a refrigerant outlet orifice, and the first face is configured to come to bear on a component with a fluidic function with which the distribution manifold is assembled.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly comprises an internal heat exchanger to be placed in the refrigerant circuit and configured to allow heat exchange between, on the one hand, a low pressure refrigerant flow line, within the internal exchanger, and, on the other hand, a high pressure refrigerant flow line, within the internal heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger comprising a high pressure outlet port for the refrigerant, and configured to be connected directly with the distribution channel of the distribution manifold.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution ramp is assembled by its first face with the internal heat exchanger.

[0066] The internal heat exchanger is advantageously interposed between the compressor, in particular the electric compressor, and the distribution rail.

[0067] In the present invention, the fluid connection between the distribution rail and the internal heat exchanger is made directly, without an intermediate fluid connector between the outlet port of the internal heat exchanger and the distribution channel of the distribution rail, and in particular without a connecting tube or pipe between the internal heat exchanger and the distribution rail. Thus, the internal heat exchanger and the distribution rail can form a compact assembly with a relatively small overall size.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution ramp is formed by a single-piece part, in particular made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0069] For example, the one-piece part forming the distribution manifold is a forged (cast) or extruded part with machined portions. The distribution manifold can be obtained from a block which is machined.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution ramp has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis X.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution channel and the collection channel extend substantially parallel to each other, in particular by being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises a plurality of faces configured to come into contact with a plurality of components with a fluidic function, in particular heat exchangers and / or condensers.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises the first face oriented towards the internal heat exchanger and at least one second face, in particular perpendicular to the first face, facing the additional fluidic components, in particular the additional heat exchangers.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the first face of the distribution ramp comprises, on the one hand, the inlet orifice of the distribution channel which is configured to be fluidically connected to the high pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger and, on the other hand, the outlet port of the collection channel which is configured to be fluidically connected to the low pressure inlet port of the internal heat exchanger.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution channel is coaxial with the high pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger and the collection channel is coaxial with the low pressure inlet port of the internal heat exchanger.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the first face of the distribution manifold, in particular flat, comprises an additional orifice which is configured to be placed in fluid connection with the high pressure inlet port of the internal heat exchanger.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises a first connecting channel configured to be placed on the refrigerant path between a water condenser and the internal heat exchanger.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the additional orifice on the first face of the distribution ramp is an outlet of the first connecting channel.

[0079] Thus, on the first face of the distribution ramp, there are three fluid orifices, belonging respectively to the distribution channel, to the collection channel and to the first connecting channel.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the first connecting channel extends between an inlet orifice and said outlet orifice.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the first connecting channel has a bend, in particular at 90°.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet orifice of the first connecting channel is configured to be connected to an external tube, namely one which does not belong to the distribution rail.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, this external tubing, or external pipe, is configured to connect the water condenser to the distribution manifold.

[0084] Thus the refrigerant leaving the water condenser circulates through the external tubing, then in the first connecting channel of the distribution rail to the high pressure inlet port of the internal heat exchanger.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the first connecting channel which is on the refrigerant path between the water condenser and the internal heat exchanger is so called because this connecting channel mainly makes it possible to make the connection between the water condenser and the internal heat exchanger. This connecting channel which is internal to the distribution rail, replaces a portion of tubing which would, in the absence of a distribution rail according to the invention, be longer or have a more complex route to connect the water condenser to the internal heat exchanger.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet orifice of this first connecting channel is present on a third face, in particular a flat face, of the distribution ramp.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet orifice of the first connecting channel opens onto a flange configured for fixing the external tubing.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold further comprises a second connecting channel and a third connecting channel configured to serve respectively as an inlet path and an outlet path for the refrigerant, between a dehydrating bottle (or "receiver dryer" in English) and the water condenser.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the second connecting channel and the third connecting channel are substantially parallel to each other.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the second connecting channel and the third connecting channel each comprise an elbow so that they open onto two perpendicular faces of the distribution ramp.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the second connecting channel and the third connecting channel each comprise at their ends orifices for the inlet and outlet of refrigerant respectively.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises at least one conduit, also called a control conduit, for receiving an expansion valve, in particular at least two conduits each for receiving an expansion valve.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises at least two distribution sub-channels in fluid communication with the distribution channel and configured to distribute refrigerant from the distribution channel to at least two respective heat exchangers.

[0094] The two distribution sub-channels are branches of the distribution channel.

[0095] In the example described, the number of distribution sub-channels is two. Alternatively, the number of distribution sub-channels may be greater than two, being for example three or four depending on the needs of the refrigerant circuit in terms of number of heat exchangers.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution sub-channels all open, via refrigerant outlet orifices, onto one face of the distribution manifold, for example onto a second face where there are in particular orifices of the second and third connecting channels between the dehydrating bottle and the water condenser. These orifices are connected in particular to the water condenser.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises at least two collection sub-channels each connected to the outlet of one of the heat exchangers which are supplied with refrigerant by the distribution sub-channels, the collection sub-channels joining the collection channel.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection sub-channels have one end on a face of the distribution ramp, via inlet orifices, in particular on the same face as the orifices of the distribution sub-channels.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the second face of the distribution ramp comprises, for example, six orifices in total. These orifices are, for example, aligned along a geometric straight line.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the first, second and third faces are perpendicular to each other, two by two.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the second face of the distribution manifold receives connection flanges with the two heat exchangers and the water condenser.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, there are thus, on this second face, three connection flanges for each of the heat exchangers and the water condenser, and the heat exchangers and the water condenser are arranged side by side, possibly with contact, forming a row.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution ramp comprises a face which receives the dehydrating bottle, in particular fixed directly on this face.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution ramp comprises a face which receives the expansion valve(s).

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, the different channels of the distribution rail are produced by machining in the mass of the distribution rail.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold makes it possible to replace several external pipes, which simplifies the assembly operations, makes the assembly more mechanically robust and makes it more compact.

[0107] The advantages mentioned in connection with the direct mounting of the internal heat exchanger with the compressor are also valid for the distribution manifold which is fixed directly with fluid-function components.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold further makes it possible to distribute refrigerant to a plurality of heat exchangers placed side by side, in a row.

[0109] This allows for a reduced overall footprint.

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises at least one perforated fixing lug configured to be placed against a mechanical fixing portion of the internal heat exchanger.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution manifold comprises a plurality of perforated fixing ears configured to be placed against mechanical fixing portions of the internal heat exchanger.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly comprises two bi-fluid heat exchangers (Chillers) and a water condenser (or "water condenser" in English) arranged in a row, on one face of the distribution manifold.

[0113] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant circuit comprises: - an electric compressor; - a water condenser connected to the compressor outlet; - the internal heat exchanger with a connected high pressure inlet port to the water condenser; - the high pressure outlet of the internal heat exchanger being connected to the distribution channel of the distribution manifold and the distribution sub-channels are configured to distribute the refrigerant to the two heat exchangers; - upstream of each distribution sub-channel is placed an expansion valve; - the two bi-fluid heat exchangers are connected at their outlet to the low pressure inlet port of the internal heat exchanger; - the low pressure outlet port of the internal heat exchanger is connected to the electric compressor.

[0114] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to an assembly for a refrigerant circuit configured to use a refrigerant, in particular a flammable refrigerant, in particular of the hydrocarbon type, in particular propane, the refrigerant circuit being in particular configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the assembly comprising: - a water condenser; - a dehydrating bottle (or “receiver dryer” in English); - a refrigerant distribution ramp (also called a “manifold” in English) including: • one face (in particular the second face mentioned above) configured for the fluid connection with the water condenser, and one face (in particular the third face mentioned above) configured for the fluid connection with the dehydrating bottle, these faces being perpendicular to each other; • at least one connecting channel (in particular one of the second and third connecting channels mentioned above) for circulation of refrigerant between the water condenser and the dehydrating bottle within the distribution manifold, this connecting channel being in particular bent, in particular at 90°.

[0115] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting channel is arranged at least partially in a plane perpendicular to the aforementioned distribution channel and / or collection channel.

[0116] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0117] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective representation of an assembly for a refrigerant circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0118] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective representation of the assembly of [Fig.l], according to another view;

[0119] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective representation of the compressor and internal heat exchanger of the assembly of [Fig.l], once assembled;

[0120] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective representation of the compressor alone of the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0121] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective representation of the internal heat exchanger alone of the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0122] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective representation of the internal heat exchanger alone of the assembly of [Fig.l], as viewed opposite that of [Fig.5];

[0123] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective representation of the distribution ramp only from the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0124] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective representation of the distribution rail alone of the assembly of [Fig.l], from a view opposite that of [Fig.7];

[0125] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective representation of a bi- heat exchanger fluid of the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0126] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a representation illustrating, by transparency of the distribution rail, the different channels of the distribution rail of the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0127] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a diagram of the refrigerant circuit formed using the assembly of [Fig.l].

[0128] The features, variants and the different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0129] Figures 1 and 2 show an assembly 1 for a refrigerant circuit 100 configured to use a refrigerant, here a flammable hydrocarbon-type refrigerant, in particular propane, also referred to as refrigerant fluid R290.

[0130] The refrigerant circuit 100, integrated into a heat pump system, here of the indirect type, is configured to be installed on a motor vehicle.

[0131] The assembly 1 comprises a compressor 2, of the electric type, configured to compress the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 100, the compressor 2 comprising an inlet port 3 for the refrigerant.

[0132] The assembly 1 also comprises an internal heat exchanger 4 configured to be placed in the refrigerant circuit 100 and configured to allow heat exchange between, on the one hand, a low-pressure refrigerant flow line 101, within the internal exchanger 4, and, on the other hand, a high-pressure refrigerant flow line 102, within the internal heat exchanger 4, the internal heat exchanger 4 comprising a low-pressure outlet port 6 for the refrigerant and configured to be connected directly with the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2.

[0133] The internal heat exchanger 4 is often referred to by the acronym IHX.

[0134] In the present invention, the fluid connection between the compressor 2 and the internal heat exchanger 4 is made directly, without an intermediate fluid connector between the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 and the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2, and in particular without any connecting tubing or pipe between the internal heat exchanger 4 and the compressor 2. Thus, the internal heat exchanger 4 and the compressor 2 can form a compact assembly with a relatively small overall size, because the fluid connection between the compressor 2 and the internal heat exchanger 4 is made over a very short distance, given that no connecting tubing or pipe (sometimes called a "Jumper Line" in English) is used.The invention also makes it possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant used (because there is less tubing and therefore less flow line distance) and to reduce the pressure drop on the low pressure line. By reducing the amount of refrigerant used, which is for example propane (flammable), the severity in the event of an incident is reduced because there is less flammable product present. In the case of propane as a refrigerant, it is preferable to have a quantity of propane in the refrigerant circuit which is less than or equal to 150 g.

[0135] In addition, the number of fluid connections between the components can be reduced, and thus, for example, risks of refrigerant leakage at these connections can be avoided.

[0136] The invention is particularly advantageous in the case where the refrigerant is flammable refrigerant, here propane, because the probability of a leak is reduced. potential leakage of refrigerant (leakage which can be dangerous because of the risk of explosion) by reducing the number of connections and, where appropriate, seals, and by making robust connections. In particular, the connection of the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 with the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 can be made in a robust manner, in particular more robust than a connection of a pipe to a flange.

[0137] The inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 is produced on a body 7 of the compressor 2.

[0138] The inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 is monolithic with the body 7 of the compressor 2. In other words, the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 is integrated into the body 7 of the compressor 2. In particular, the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 comes from the same material as the body 7 of the compressor 2. For example, when the body 7 of the compressor 2 is made of metal, for example aluminum, the inlet port 3 is also in this material.

[0139] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 is made in a separate part of the body 7 of the compressor 2 and the inlet port 3 is fixed to the body 7 of the compressor 2, for example by being welded or brazed to the body 7 of the compressor 2.

[0140] As a further variant, the inlet port 3 is fixed to the body 7 of the compressor 2 using, for example, screws.

[0141] The inlet port 3 projects from a side wall 8 of the body 7 of the compressor 2.

[0142] As illustrated in [Fig.4] in particular, the side wall 8, generally cylindrical, of the body 7 of the compressor 2 has a main axis Xc and the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 comprises an opening 9 of axis CP which is notably orthogonal to the main axis Xc of the compressor 2.

[0143] The opening 9 of the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 is formed on a hollow column type shape 10.

[0144] The compressor 2 comprises mechanical fixing portions 11 configured to be assembled with the internal heat exchanger 4 such that once the compressor 2 and the internal heat exchanger 4 are assembled together, the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 is connected to the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0145] The mechanical fixing portions 11 of the compressor 2 are configured to bear, with contact, on the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0146] Each mechanical fixing portion 11 of the compressor 2 may comprise a tapped hole to receive, for example, a stud or a screw allowing the assembly of the compressor 2 with the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0147] Two of the mechanical fixing portions 11 of the compressor 2 are placed on a periphery of the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2.

[0148] Here, the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 is formed on a hollow shape 12 and the mechanical fixing portions 11 are each defined by a hollow stud, with a tapped hole in the middle, projecting from the hollow shape 12 forming the inlet port 3.

[0149] The hollow shape 12 extends over the side wall 8 of the body 7 of the compressor 2.

[0150] The axis CP of the hollow shape 12 is orthogonal to the axis Xc of the body 7 of the compressor 2.

[0151] The hollow shape 12 and the pads 11 are joined. Here, two pads 11 connect to the periphery of the hollow shape 12.

[0152] Thus the hollow shape 12 and the studs 11 are part of the same group of reliefs projecting from the body 7 of the compressor 2.

[0153] The inlet port 3 provides the connection for the fluid and the pads 11 provide the mechanical assembly between the compressor 2 and the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0154] The low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 protrudes from the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4, as illustrated for example in Figures 5 and 6.

[0155] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 is made in a separate part, here a flange 17, on the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0156] The flange 17 projects from a flat face 15 of the body 14, of a generally substantially parallelepiped shape, of the internal heat exchanger 4, as can be seen in [Fig.5].

[0157] The flange 17 is configured to be mechanically assembled with the compressor 2.

[0158] The flange 17 is a separate part from the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0159] The flange 17 is brazed to the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4, in particular during the same brazing operation of the different components of the body of the internal heat exchanger 4. Thus, in the case where the internal heat exchanger 4 is of the plate type, the brazing of the flange 17 is carried out at the same time as the brazing of the plates of the body of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0160] For example, the flange 17 of the heat exchanger is made of the same material as the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger. For example, when the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4 is made of metal, for example aluminum, the flange 17 is also made of this material.

[0161] Flange 17 has been machined.

[0162] The flange 17 comprises openwork fixing ears 19 configured to be placed against a mechanical fixing portion of the compressor 2.

[0163] These fixing ears 19 of the flange 17 of the internal heat exchanger 4 each comprise an opening 20 coming opposite a hollow stud 11 of the portion of mechanical fixing of the compressor 2. A stud or screw is inserted through the perforated fixing ear 19 and the hollow stud 11 to tighten the flange 17 of the internal heat exchanger 4 on the mechanical fixing portion of the compressor 2. This forms a mechanical link between the compressor 2 and the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0164] The flange 17 of the internal heat exchanger 4 comprises at least one port 21 configured to receive a temperature and / or pressure sensor 22 for measuring the temperature and / or pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0165] The flange 17 comprises a through channel 23 forming the low pressure outlet port 6.

[0166] The through channel 23 comprises an elbow, for example substantially at 45°.

[0167] The through channel 23 forming the low pressure outlet port 6 opens onto an opening 24 (visible in fig 5) configured to be placed opposite the opening 9 of the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2.

[0168] The opening 24 of the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 has an axis PE inclined relative to the main face 15 of the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4 on which the flange 17 is present.

[0169] The opening 24 of the low pressure outlet port 6 makes for example an angle of between 20° and 70° with the main face of the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0170] The height of the flange 17 is less than the height of the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0171] The fixing ears 19 of the flange 17 extend in different planes.

[0172] Thus the mutual mounting of the compressor 2 with the internal heat exchanger 4 is done in particular with the direct cooperation between, on the one hand, the flange 17 of the internal heat exchanger 4 and, on the other hand, the mechanical fixing portions 11 on the compressor 2.

[0173] This mechanical assembly makes it possible to directly connect the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 and the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2.

[0174] The low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 to the compressor 2 may be of the male or female type, configured to cooperate with the inlet port 3 of the compressor 2 of the female or male type respectively.

[0175] The internal heat exchanger 4 comprises the first main face 15 provided with the low pressure outlet port 6 to the compressor 2, and a second main face 27 (see [Fig.6]) provided with other ports to other fluid-function components of the refrigerant circuit 100, as will be explained.

[0176] The first main face 15 and the second main face 27 are two opposite, parallel faces of the body 14 of the internal heat exchanger 4. The height of the internal exchanger 4 extends orthogonally between these two faces 15 and 27.

[0177] The internal heat exchanger 4 comprises, in addition to the low pressure outlet port 6, a low pressure inlet port 30, a high pressure inlet port 31, and a high pressure outlet port 32.

[0178] As can be seen in [Fig. 11], the low pressure line 101 of the refrigerant within the internal heat exchanger 4 is thus defined between the low pressure inlet port 30 and the low pressure outlet port 6, and the high pressure line 102 of the refrigerant within the internal heat exchanger 4 is thus defined between the high pressure inlet port 31 and the high pressure outlet port 32.

[0179] The high pressure inlet port 31 is connected to an outlet of a water condenser 35. This water condenser 35 is supplied with high pressure refrigerant by an external tube 39 connected to a high pressure outlet port of the compressor 2 (see [Fig.2] in particular).

[0180] The high pressure outlet port 32 is connected to a distribution manifold 200 which distributes the refrigerant to two bi-fluid exchangers 41 and 42 (or “Chiller” in English), as explained below.

[0181] The low pressure inlet port 30 is connected to the distribution manifold 200 which collects the refrigerant coming from the two bi-fluid exchangers 41 and 42.

[0182] The body 14 defines a heat exchange volume between the low pressure refrigerant flow line and the high pressure refrigerant flow line. The body 14 is notably configured to contain stacked plates which define refrigerant flow paths within the body 14. The internal heat exchanger 4 is of the plate type.

[0183] As can be seen in Figures 7 and 10, the distribution ramp 200 is of the monobloc type and comprises: - a high-pressure refrigerant distribution channel 201 extending, over a major part of its length, in a rectilinear manner and being configured to be connected to the two bi-fluid exchangers 41 and 42 to distribute refrigerant to these two bi-fluid exchangers 41 and 42; - a low-pressure refrigerant collection channel 202, extending, over a major part of its length, in a rectilinear manner and being configured to be connected to said two bi-fluid exchangers 41 and 42 to collect the refrigerant having circulated in these two bi-fluid exchangers 41 and 42.

[0184] [Fig. 10] represents the different channels of the distribution ramp 200, in transparency, for better understanding.

[0185] The distribution ramp 200 comprises a first face 204 onto which open, on the one hand, the distribution channel 201, forming a refrigerant inlet orifice 205, and, on the other hand, the collection channel 202, forming a refrigerant outlet orifice 206, and the first face 204 is configured to come to bear on the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0186] The inlet port 205 of the distribution channel 201 is configured to be fluidically connected to the high pressure outlet port 32 of the internal heat exchanger 4 and the outlet port 206 of the collection channel 202 is configured to be fluidically connected to the low pressure inlet port 30 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0187] The distribution channel 201 is coaxial with the high pressure outlet port 32 of the internal heat exchanger 4 and the collection channel 202 is coaxial with the low pressure inlet port 30 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0188] The distribution ramp 200 is formed by a single piece of metal, in particular aluminum. For example, the single piece forming the distribution ramp 200 is a forged piece with machined portions.

[0189] The distribution ramp 200 has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis X.

[0190] The distribution channel 201 and the collection channel 202 extend substantially parallel to each other, being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0191] The distribution ramp 200 comprises, in addition to the first flat face 204, oriented towards the internal heat exchanger 4, a second face 207, in particular perpendicular to the first face, facing the two-fluid exchangers 41 and 42.

[0192] The first face 204 of the distribution ramp 200 comprises an additional orifice 209 (see [Fig.7]) which is configured to be fluidically connected to the high pressure inlet port 31 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0193] The distribution manifold 200 comprises a first connecting channel 210 configured to be placed on the refrigerant path between a water condenser 35, and the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0194] The additional orifice 209 on the first face 204 of the distribution ramp 200 is an outlet of the first connecting channel 210.

[0195] Thus, on the first face 204 of the distribution ramp 200, there are three fluid orifices, belonging respectively to the distribution channel 201, to the collection channel 202 and to the first connecting channel 210.

[0196] The first connecting channel 210 extends between an inlet orifice 211 and said outlet orifice 209.

[0197] The first connecting channel 210 has a bend, here at 90°.

[0198] The inlet orifice 211 of the first connecting channel 210 is configured to be connected to an external tube 212, namely one which does not belong to the distribution ramp 200.

[0199] This external tubing 212, or external pipe, is configured to connect the water condenser 35 to the distribution manifold 200.

[0200] Thus the refrigerant which leaves the water condenser 35 circulates through the external tubing 212, then in the first connecting channel 210 of the distribution rail 200 to the high pressure inlet port 31 of the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0201] The first connecting channel 210 which is on the refrigerant path between the water condenser 35 and the internal heat exchanger 4 is so called because this connecting channel mainly makes it possible to make the connection between the water condenser and the internal heat exchanger 4. This connecting channel which is internal to the distribution rail 200, replaces a portion of tubing which would be, in the absence of a distribution rail 200 according to the invention, longer or of a more complex route to connect the water condenser to the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0202] The inlet orifice 211 of this first connecting channel 210 is present on a third flat face 215 of the distribution ramp 200.

[0203] The inlet orifice 211 of the first connecting channel 210 opens onto a flange 216 configured for fixing the external tubing 212.

[0204] The distribution manifold 200 further comprises a second connecting channel 218 and a third connecting channel 219 configured to serve respectively as an inlet path and an outlet path for the refrigerant, between a dehydrating bottle 220 (or “receiver dryer” in English) and the water condenser 35.

[0205] The second connecting channel 218 and the third connecting channel 219 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0206] The second connecting channel 218 and the third connecting channel 219 each comprise an elbow so that they open onto two perpendicular faces of the distribution ramp 200, namely the second face 207 and the third face 215.

[0207] The second connecting channel 218 and the third connecting channel 219 each have at their ends orifices 222 for the inlet and outlet of refrigerant respectively.

[0208] The second connecting channel 218 and the third connecting channel 219 open at one of their ends onto the second face 207 of the distribution ramp 200 and, at the other of their ends, onto the third face 215 of the distribution ramp 200 which is perpendicular to the second face 207 of the distribution ramp 200.

[0209] The distribution ramp 200 comprises two conduits 225, also called control conduits, each to receive an expansion valve 226, in particular the chamber expansion valves 226. The conduits 225 are perpendicular to the distribution channel 201.

[0210] These conduits 225 open onto the third face 215 of the distribution ramp 200.

[0211] The expansion valves 226, placed along the ramp 200, are provided of actuators 227 which are on the third face 215. The third face 215 of the distribution ramp 200 is stepped.

[0212] The distribution manifold 200 comprises two distribution sub-channels 230 in fluid communication with the distribution channel 201, via the conduits 225, and configured to distribute refrigerant from the distribution channel 201 to at least two respective heat exchangers.

[0213] The two distribution sub-channels 230 are branches of the distribution channel 201, and are perpendicular to the conduits 225.

[0214] Each conduit 225, at the outlet of the expansion valve 226, opens onto one of the distribution sub-channels 230. The expansion valves 226 are used to control the circulation of refrigerant in the heat exchangers 41, 42.

[0215] The conduits 225 have an offset, transversely to the distribution channel 201, relative to each other, so that the upstream conduit 225 is more eccentric relative to the distribution channel 201 than the downstream conduit 225. This allows sufficient refrigerant to pass into the distribution channel 201, from the upstream conduit 225 to the downstream conduit 225.

[0216] In the example described, the number of distribution sub-channels 230 is two. Alternatively, the number of distribution sub-channels 230 may be greater than two, being for example three or four depending on the needs of the refrigerant circuit in terms of the number of heat exchangers, in particular of the chiller type.

[0217] The distribution sub-channels 230 all open, via refrigerant outlet orifices 231, onto the second face 207 of the distribution ramp 200.

[0218] The distribution ramp 200 comprises two collection sub-channels 233 each connected to the outlet of one of the heat exchangers 41, 42 which are supplied with refrigerant by the distribution sub-channels 230, the collection sub-channels 233 joining the collection channel 202.

[0219] The collection sub-channels 233 have one end on the second face 207 of the distribution ramp 200, via inlet orifices 234.

[0220] The second face 207 of the distribution ramp 200 thus comprises, for example, six orifices in total. These orifices are, for example, aligned along a geometric straight line.

[0221] Thus the second face 207 of the distribution ramp 200 is configured to be connected to a series of heat exchangers, in particular two, three or four, arranged one after the other, in particular a water condenser 35 and two dual-fluid exchangers 41, 42 of the chiller type. Preferably, the distribution manifold 200 is configured so that the water condenser 35 is arranged closer to the internal heat exchanger 4 than the two dual-fluid exchangers 41, 42 of the chiller type.

[0222] The first, second and third faces 204, 207 and 215 are perpendicular to each other, two by two.

[0223] The second face 207 of the distribution ramp 200 receives three connection flanges 221 with respectively the two heat exchangers 41, 42 and the water condenser 35.

[0224] There are thus, on the second face 207, three connection flanges 221 for each of the heat exchangers 41, 42 and the water condenser 35 which are arranged side by side, with or without contact, forming a row (see figures 2 and 9).

[0225] The third face 215 receives the dehydrating bottle 220 which is fixed directly on this face 215, and also the actuators 227 of the expansion valves 226.

[0226] In the example described, the distribution channel 201 is open at the end opposite its inlet orifice 205 so as to be able to connect the distribution channel 201 to a charging port 229.

[0227] Another charging port 229 is present on flange 17.

[0228] These charging ports 229 equipped with a valve (visible on the charging port 229 on the flange 17 and valve not shown on the charging port 229 at the end of the distribution channel 201) are used when filling the refrigerant circuit, one of the charging ports 229 being used to pull the refrigerant and the other to push the refrigerant.

[0229] The different channels of the distribution ramp 200 are produced by machining in the mass of the distribution ramp 200.

[0230] The distribution manifold 200 allows several external pipes to be replaced, which simplifies assembly operations, makes the assembly more mechanically robust and makes it more compact. It also serves as a support for various components.

[0231] The distribution manifold 200 further makes it possible to distribute refrigerant to a plurality of heat exchangers placed side by side, in a row.

[0232] This allows for a reduced overall footprint.

[0233] The distribution ramp 200 comprises perforated fixing ears 228 configured to be placed against a mechanical fixing portion 11 of the internal heat exchanger 4. Screws or studs introduced into the perforated fixing ears 228 thus make it possible to fix the distribution ramp 200 to the internal heat exchanger 4.

[0234] It can be seen, in summary, that the assembly 1 described comprises two bi-fluid heat exchangers 41, 42 (“Chillers” in English), the two fluids being the refrigerant and glycolated water, and a water condenser 35 (or “water condenser” in English) arranged in a row, on a face 207 of the distribution ramp 200.

[0235] The assembly 1 is integrated into the refrigerant circuit 100 which comprises: - electric compressor 2; - the water condenser 35 connected to the outlet of the compressor 2; - the internal heat exchanger 4 with the high pressure inlet port 31 connected to the water condenser 35; - the high pressure outlet 32 of the internal heat exchanger 4 being connected to the distribution channel 201 of the distribution manifold 200 and the distribution sub-channels 230 are configured to distribute the refrigerant to the two heat exchangers; - upstream of each distribution sub-channel 230 is placed one of the expansion valves 226; - the two bi-fluid heat exchangers 41, 42 (here plate type) are connected at their outlet to the low pressure inlet port 30 of the internal heat exchanger 4; - the low pressure outlet port 6 of the internal heat exchanger 4 is connected to the electric compressor 2.

[0236] The internal heat exchanger 4 is interposed between the electric compressor 2 and the distribution rail 200.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (1) for a refrigerant circuit (100) configured to use a refrigerant, in particular a flammable refrigerant, in particular of the hydrocarbon type, in particular propane, the refrigerant circuit being in particular configured to be on board a vehicle, the assembly comprising: - a compressor (2) configured to compress the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (100), the compressor (2) comprising an inlet port (3) for the refrigerant;- an internal heat exchanger (4) configured to be placed in the refrigerant circuit and configured to allow heat exchange between, on the one hand, a low pressure refrigerant flow line (101), within the internal heat exchanger (4), and, on the other hand, a high pressure refrigerant flow line (102), within the internal heat exchanger (4), the internal heat exchanger (4) comprising a low pressure outlet port (6) for the refrigerant and configured to be connected directly with the inlet port (3) of the compressor (2).;

2. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the inlet port (3) of the compressor (2) is produced on a body (7) of the compressor (2), the inlet port (3) of the compressor (2) being in particular monolithic with the body (7) of the compressor (2).

3. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inlet port (3) projects from a side wall (8) of the compressor (2).

4. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the compressor (2) comprises at least one mechanical fixing portion (11) configured to be assembled with the internal heat exchanger (4) so that once the compressor (2) and the internal heat exchanger (4) are assembled together, the inlet port (3) of the compressor (2) is connected to the low pressure outlet port (6) of the internal heat exchanger (4), this mechanical fixing portion (11) of the compressor (2) being in particular configured to bear, with contact, on the internal heat exchanger (4).

5. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the low pressure outlet port (6) of the internal heat exchanger (4) is made in a flange (17) of the internal heat exchanger (4), and the flange (17) is in particular fixed on the body (14) of the internal heat exchanger (4), for example by being welded or brazed on the body (14) of the internal heat exchanger (4).

6. Assembly (1) according to claim 5, in which the flange (17) of the internal heat exchanger (4) projects on a face (15), in particular a flat face, of the body (14) of the internal heat exchanger (4).

7. Assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the flange (17) comprises at least one perforated fixing lug (19) configured to be placed against a mechanical fixing portion (11) of the compressor (2).

8. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which the flange (17) comprises a through channel (23) forming the low pressure outlet port (6), this through channel comprising in particular an elbow, for example substantially at 45°.

9. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the internal heat exchanger (4) comprises a first main face provided with the low pressure outlet port (6) towards the compressor (2), and a second main face, in particular opposite the first main face, provided with other ports towards other components with a fluidic function of the refrigerant circuit, in particular a low pressure inlet port, a high pressure inlet port, and a high pressure outlet port.

10. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the internal heat exchanger (4) is arranged between the compressor (2) and a distribution rail (200).

11. Heat pump system, in particular of the indirect type, comprising an assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in particular configured to be installed on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

Images